Jump On It

Kimono: c/o HERE| Jumpsuit: Old| Wood watch: c/o HERE| Clutch: Vintage| Pink sandals: Franco Sarto, similar HERE

Happy Fri-Yay Dolls!!!

Today’s style story features a duster length kimono paired with a simple cotton jumpsuit- a perfect combo for date night or a girls night out. I’ve had this jumpsuit for a couple of years (I think I last wore it 2 years ago while on travel), but this is its first debut here on the blog. It is made from a wonderfully soft and breathable cotton blend.

I was slow to join the kimono game, not because I don’t care for them, but because I hadn’t seen one that suited my preferences. I specifically wanted one that was duster length, preferably with longer sleeves verses elbow length, and I wanted it to have an over-sized fit. I had just about given up that such a kimono existed (after one false alarm at Nordstrom's) – that is until I changed where I looked for it 👀

Another avenue of thinking outside the box when it comes to personal style includes purposing items in ways different than they may have originally been intended. Take for instance this kimono…it is actually listed/used as a robe! When I discovered it online, I felt fairly positive that it would serve my interests well.

I was right! When it arrived I immediately remembered my comfy yet seldom worn jumpsuit as an option to pair it with, after all a monochrome approach is practically effortless!

Do tell, are you a fan of kimonos? If so, what are your style preferences?

Until next time,

XO

Let's Go Steady Again

Watch: c/o HERE 💨now offering watch engraving| Hat: Nordstrom, similar HERE| Statement necklace: Nairobi, Kenya| Top: Zara (worn HERE)
Pants: c/o HERE (size up 1)| Shoes: Vince Camuto, another option HERE (apparently this color is hard to come by now)

💥Enter the JORD Watch GIVEAWAY HERE💥

Alongside my very first style love, vintage fashion - lies a close runner up: bold color. If you know me personally, or have been following my style blog over the years, you may have become accustomed to seeing me clothed in bold color. However, as is the inevitable for a personality such as mine (I like to switch things up), over the years I observed a noticeable shift. What do I mean?

Well, prior to my move to the west coast, I only had a handful of black colored clothing in my possession. However, within the last two years or so, I have acquired a considerable number of black dresses/jackets/skirts/pants. My wardrobe is organized/grouped by color - I can clearly distinguish what’s what. Each month when I do my necessary closet purge (I try to follow a one in, one out rule – donating my rejects), I notice how my wardrobe has changed. What was once a vintage saturated inventory boasting every bold color and pattern, now more so consists of modern investment pieces, a dash of trends (because of the brands I work with), glimmers of vintage (hats/dresses/bags/jewelry), and a new adequate supply of dark clothing. I had to ask myself, why the shift?

Of course, there are a few reasons, but one stood out in the center of them all: The more that mainstream fashion/the blogger world became saturated with bold colors, the less interested I was in wearing them! LOL! 
But where does that leave my love for bold color?

Basically, I took a break from it. I needed time to reassess and revamp my style intentions. Alas the time has passed, and I’m back! I’ve reinvigorated my love for bold color by challenging myself to experiment with unique color combinations 😊 Today’s look is one example of such. Like who thinks to pair yellow, burgundy, and cobalt together?! Thanks to my trusty Pinterest account, I am restocked with a plethora of ideas for color loving combinations 💓 I am so happy to be back together!

Have you noticed me sporting a new wood watch in my posts over the last month? Here's the scoop: I got it (FIELDCREST series) from my pals at JORD Wood Watches, whom now offers custom wood engraving! Watches are ideal graduation gifts– top that with an engraved gift – you are now equipped with a perfect touch of sentiment & meaning!

When I thought about exactly what I wanted to have engraved on the back of my watch, something that I constantly tell myself came to mind. Live in each moment, enjoy every single second possible, leave worry/planning in its proper place. After all, there is only one moment, exactly like this one.

Score this great gift for the grad in your life + check out all that JORD has to offer HERE.

Until next time Babes,

XO

Checkered & Tied

Today’s style story features a stint over in the Boy’s Club by way of a classic Brooks Brothers stripe tie. I scored it some time ago from a thrift shop. While reorganizing my wardrobe (a continuous process) I came to realize how perfectly it synced up with a vintage Liz Claiborne vest that I scored at another thrift store:) I love happy realizations such as this one! Often, while reorganizing and pruning my wardrobe I come across items that complement one another well – items that I hadn’t previously considered wearing together. Those ‘surprises’ always encourage me to be more diligent about keeping my wardrobe space organized :)

The star of this look appears to be the shades, as I received so many unexpected compliments on them over the weekend! Perhaps I had forgotten how cute they were?! LOL! I think sometimes as lovers of style and fashion connoisseurs- WE often forget how great some of our acquisitions are. Like, getting dressed and being stylish becomes routine, a natural part of who we are and our lives - we may miss the opportunity to take note of/and relish in how fun an ensemble or statement piece really is!

That realization inspired me: Not only do I want to live purposefully in each moment, but I also want to relish more fully in the joy of all my style pieces more fully. Does that make sense? There are so many factors that contribute to being/feeling happiness in life- I aim to take ample advantage of each and every single one of them- including fashion!

Until next time Loves,

XO

Sunnies: Tildon| Earrings: Rocksbox/sign up for free| Tie: Brooks Brothers| White Tee: Ralph Lauren
Vest Liz Claiborne, thrifted| Wood Watch: c/o JORD| Skinny jeans: NYDJ| Suede pumps: Victoria's Secret Catalog 

Dipped in Acid

Today’s post features a simple white t-shirt and a functional twist on an older pair of acid washed jeans. I was in the mood to sport denim, but alas the temperatures were closing in on 100 degrees… I decided to roll up this pair of jeans as a capri alternative (generally I am not a fan of capri pants), and pair them with a plain white tee + fun accessories.

Until next time Beauties!
XO

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson| White tee: Thrifted| Denim: NYDJs, worn here| Fringe clutch: Carlos Santana Fiona Chain Crossbody (the chain is removable)| Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches| Sandals: Tildon

Get BBQ Ready With Us

Can you believe that the month of July is just around the corner?! Actually it’s right down the street, Friday marks July 1st! I CANNOT! I mean, where does the time go? With the month of July upon us, that also means that summer BBQs, outdoor family get-togethers, and other like events have begun. The question that often arises is: What should I wear?

Sometimes attending a casual outdoor event can be tricky. We want to look cute, but we also want to be comfortable and practical. Let’s take for instance a Summer BBQ. Picture this: You’re invited to an outdoor cook out. The afternoon will be filled with your favorite foods plus great company. The weather is most agreeable, the forecast predicts sunshine all day and there is no sign of rain for the entire weekend.

Today’s post is especially for you! I’ve teamed up with fellow plus size Babes Dionna of Made Me Pretty and Ivory Jinelle to offer you three options to slay comfortably at a Summer Barbecue! 
Check out each of their looks in detail on their blogs ;)

Rompers are an easy option for summertime events. They can be dressed up by means of accessories, or worn completely casually. There are many straight size and plus size options in-store and online. I opted to wear a black & white color palette- simple yet classic. 

I kept my accessories to a minimal, and added a white shirt tied at the waist for a touch of edge and additional coverage.

Of course wearing white to a Barbeque can be a bit of a risk, but what can I say, I’m a risk-taker! LOL!!! I'm loving the color palettes served up by Ivory and Dionna, aren't we gorgeous!?

Until next time Babes!!
XO

Hat:Shiraleah | Romper:Juicy | Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches| White shirt: Borrowed from my husband 
Peep toe booties: Marshalls| Lucite bangles: Nordstrom Rack| Sunnies: Nordstrom

An Epiphany

Today’s look features a faux suede button-up dress by GITI online (see previous feature here) styled in two ways. Although it is a dress, I opted to style it as a cardigan. We often think of wearing suede solely during cooler months, but I find that it actually can be incorporated into the warmer weather months as well. 

For me, it takes a bit of forethought- which is no biggie, as I plan out my wardrobe 85% of the time! I couldn’t make up my mind on which look I liked best, so I decided to blog both of them for you. Which look is your favorite?

I had an opportunity to escape from city life for some R&R (rest and relaxation) for a few days, I now find myself feeling renewed and determined =) While away I had time to pamper myself each day, which felt wonderful because self-love is one of the most important kinds.

One of my favorite ways to pamper myself whether I’m away or at home, is by way of a long hot bath, with lots of bubbles, shortly followed by a full body exfoliation. I use a number of products, including a homemade mixture of granulated sugar, olive oil, and water. For several nights I indulged in a recently purchased chocolate scrub made with real cocoa (I discussed it on Snapchat/InMyJoi). It smells ah-mazing, and makes my skin feel fantastic!

One night during a bath I found myself deep in thought; A hot bath always helps me to sort out things in my mind and to eliminate toxic subject matter. I reflected on personal personality changes and my perception of the changes that I’ve undergone in the past few years. I realized in that moment, that within myself, I have resisted and even felt a measure of resentment in reference to some of the changes that I’ve observed in myself. It’s as if I’ve somehow told myself that the ‘old’ me was better and or superior to who I am today.

Internal change is often the result of personal growth and life experience(s). It occurred to me that there was nor is any valid reason for me feel resentment of any kind about the woman that I have become. This woman has weathered tall challenges and notable life changes. She has emerged no longer inexperienced, but brimming with wisdom, and a deeper understanding of who she is at her core. In fact, I realized that the woman that I am today is actually on the path to becoming the absolute best possible version of “me”! 

Change is an inevitable fact of life, and it is the only thing that is forever consistently constant. Instead of resisting changes within myself, I am on the path to understand them, and in turn: embrace them. Does that make sense? Well it most certainly did to me, at least during my ‘Aha’ moment with a glass of wine- LOL!!!
I look forward to reading your thoughts below!

P.S. You may take 5% off your order with GITI online by using code “joi” at checkout.

Until next time Loves,
XO

Sunnies: Tildon & Forever 21|Dress: Express, worn previously here |Suede button-up dress: c/o GITI online, here (size 1X)

Top: Forever 21, worn here |Skirt: Vince Camuto, worn here |Shoes: Pour La Victoire, worn here & Market

Bangles: H&M, worn here |Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches, see here & here |Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Ruffles for the Win

Unitedly Plus returns today with a brand new style theme. Can you guess what it is?! That’s right: R U F F L E S! Ruffles are on total trend this summer, as was predicted last year. However, the fun frill actually falls under the category of ‘classic oldie but goody’. I’ve certainly worn my share of ruffles from elementary school onward... 

Romantic, girly, full of frills – nothing channels feminine vibes quite like ruffles. Yes, they’ve made a strong come back. You can find them along hemlines, shoulders, sleeves, and by way of cascading tiers.

To minimize the ultra feminine effect, you might opt to pair them with distressed and or boyfriend jeans – even a denim skirt. I am a girly girl in every single way, so I capitalized on this opportunity to take femininity to the max.

This dress creates a sense of drama and intrigue, which makes it perfect for a night out. I love how it also incorporates an off the shoulder tease, just for fun. It is most definitely Spanish-inspired, I can totally picture myself dancing the night away under the starry skies of Tulum…

When Sheena (I Am She Global) and Sahily (Pretty in Pigment) both agreed that we would go with ruffles as our theme this month, I was elated! But then, I had to think long and hard as to whether or not I actually still had a ruffle piece in my collection. You see, I generally rotate items out every few months and I remembered that I had donated several ruffled pieces.

I conducted a thorough search of my closet, and there appeared before my eyes this ruffled beauty that I’ve only worn a couple of times (see here). Although I simply love any “reason” to go shopping, I felt a sense of pride in shopping my very own closet for this look!

Today’s post is a collaboration with Sahily of Pretty in Pigment (Instagram), Sheena of I am She Global (Instagram) and myself. We are Unitedly Plus. Unitedly Plus is a dedicated place to celebrate every woman, every body type, every clothing size, and every ethnicity.  We embody inclusivity, honoring the unique beauty that each woman possesses. We encourage all women to embrace and love who they are today. We show how personal style can encourage body positivity, foster self-confidence, and provide an outlet for personal self-expression. 
Please join us in our mission of uniting women from every part of the world, showcasing individual beauty, and authentic creativity! Use the hashtag #unitedlyplus  to be featured on our social media platforms and follow our journey on Instagram (click here) and Facebook (click here)!

Until next time my Loves,

XO

Sunnies: Steve Madden| Dress: Free People (worn here)| Clutch: Forever 21| Watch: c/o JORD Wood Watches| Sandals: Steve Madden

Graduation Party Attire Planning

Hey Loves! Today I am planning what to wear to an outdoor party this afternoon. Graduation season is officially upon us, and to kick start it, today we’re attending our very first graduation party of the year.

It’s the end of May and it would seem that we would be in the thick of heatstroke here in SoCal…alas, sadly we are not : ( Gray May has prevailed, and forecasters predict June Gloom will be in short succession. Today the high will be in the 70's, but the sun will not grace us with its presence until after 1pm…if even then...

I opted for an olive theme for today's look: vintage hat, leather blazer (because there will be a chill in the air) polka dot vintage romper, my awesome JORD wood wrist watch (c/o JORD), and a glitzy statement necklace : ) See examples of how I’ve worn these items previously here, here, here, here, and here.

Along with deciding what to wear to a graduation party, you also have to decide what to gift the graduate! JORD Wood Watches fall under the category of unique gifts. Who doesn’t love a unique gift?! There are a number of fab styles to choose from, check them out here. 

The color of my watch is the natural color of the wood. It has been conditioned with natural oil to prevent cracking. I love the look of this watch, and have worn it with practically everything since I got it.

Enjoy the long weekend Loves!
XO

*This post as sponsored by JORD Wood Watches; All opinions expressed are my own.